macOS · Apps
Browse, organize, and share saved credentials
The Passwords app provides a dedicated interface for viewing, organizing, and sharing the passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes stored in iCloud Keychain, separate from Safari's AutoFill settings.
How to open Passwords App
- Open the Passwords app from Launchpad or System Settings → Passwords
- Authenticate with Touch ID or your account password
- Browse or search saved Passwords, Passkeys, and Wi-Fi entries
- Create a Shared Group under the sidebar to share select credentials
What you should know
- Organized views for Passwords, Passkeys, Codes, Wi-Fi, and Security notifications
- Shared groups let household or team members access a set of credentials together
- Built-in verification code generator for two-factor sign-ins
- Security tab flags reused, weak, or leaked passwords
Why it matters
Before this app existed, saved credentials were buried inside Safari's settings, which made it easy to forget how many accounts were actually stored or overlook weak, reused passwords. Having a standalone Passwords app makes credential management a first-class task rather than an afterthought, and Shared Groups make it realistic to securely share things like a family streaming password without texting it in plain text.
Best practices
- Check the Security tab periodically for compromised or reused password warnings
- Use Shared Groups instead of messaging or emailing passwords to family or teammates
- Store verification codes here for accounts that support built-in two-factor codes
- Delete entries for accounts you have closed to keep the list accurate
Common problems and fixes
- A saved password is missing after updating macOS
- Confirm iCloud Keychain sync is enabled, since the Passwords app reads directly from Keychain data.
- Shared Group member cannot see an added password
- Confirm they accepted the share invitation and that the password was added to the shared group rather than kept private.
- Verification codes are not generating
- Re-scan the setup QR code or re-enter the secret key for that account's two-factor setup.
Tips and tricks
- Use the built-in verification code feature to avoid needing a separate authenticator app for many services.
- Search directly within the app to jump to a saved login instead of digging through Safari.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Passwords app a separate service from iCloud Keychain?
No, it is a front-end for the same underlying iCloud Keychain data, just presented in a dedicated app.
Can I import passwords from another password manager?
Yes, the app supports importing from a CSV file exported by most password managers.
Do Shared Group members see my other private passwords?
No, only passwords explicitly added to the shared group are visible to its members.
Related settings
- iCloud KeychainiCloud Keychain securely stores and syncs passwords, passkeys, and payment information across your Apple devices using end-to-end encryption, and can autofill them in Safari and other apps.
- Password & Sign-inThis settings area covers your Mac account password, Touch ID fingerprint enrollment, and AutoFill for passwords and passkeys saved in your keychain. It's where you change your login password and decide how quickly Touch ID or a password is required to unlock the Mac.
- Family SharingFamily Sharing links up to six Apple IDs into one group so everyone can share iCloud+ storage, App Store and iTunes purchases, and subscriptions like Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade — without sharing passwords. It also gives parents tools like Ask to Buy and Screen Time to manage what kids can access.
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